“I became warmly attached to him because of his genial disposition and the kindness shown me as clerk," recalled. In fact, he was always kind to young men who were striving to qualify themselves for the law; hence he was approachable, and I had no hesitancy in asking his assistance in making up the record in cases in which he was interested.”

-- William H. Somers
Clerk of the Champaign County CourtLetter from William H. Somers to James R. B. Van Cleave
December 7, 1908